Trey Hendrickson, Bengals Reportedly Resume Contract Extension Talks amid NFL Rumors

The Cincinnati Bengals and Trey Hendrickson have reportedly returned to the negotiating table as the star edge-rusher seeks a long-term extension.

According to ESPN's Jeremy Fowler and Ben Baby, "The two sides have resumed communication on his contract and future with the team."

Hendrickson has skipped Cincy's offseason program, including mandatory workouts last week, as he seeks a new deal. He's earned one—his 43 total sacks in the past three seasons are the second-most in the NFL over that time, second only to Myles Garrett (44).

Garrett, of course, signed a four-year, $160 million extension with the Cleveland Browns this offseason. That $40 million AAV is significantly more than the $15.8 million base salary Hendrickson is set to make in 2025, the final year of his current contract.

The Bengals find themselves in a tricky spot. Both Ja'Marr Chase (four years, $161 million) and Tee Higgins (four years, $115 million) signed lucrative extensions with the team this offseason, while Joe Burrow is entering the first year of his five-year, $275 million extension.

That's a lot of financial resources tied up in three offensive players, leaving the team with limited cap space elsewhere.

Hendrickson's stand-off with the team has only been compounded by rookie pass-rusher Shemar Stewart also in the midst of a contract dispute with the team, leaving Cincinnati without two of its key edge players at minicamp last week.

Perhaps the ice is thawing with Hendrickson, however, which would be good news for all sides involved. Certainly Bengals' fans would like to see the situation resolved and the 30-year-old Hendrickson locked into place for several years to come.